Exercise Machine Retrofit with the Capacity to Pump Fluid

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for modifying existing exercise machines to enable them to move fluid in addition to providing variable resistance to the operator. This may include at least one original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pull, push, or rotational motion exercise machine and the described retrofit system and method to allow for fluid pumping.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

N/A

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 63/234,564, filed on Aug. 18, 2021, the contents of which are fully incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to modifying exercise machines. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise machine modified with the capacity to pump fluid.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A 2017 survey documented there to be 38,477 exercise facilities and gyms in North America alone. Each of these facilities uses between 2-20 of the exercise machines. Typically, these exercise machines provide resistance to enable physical exercise. But the work to perform physical exercise is not harvested or used for productive output beyond the physical exercise itself. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have an exercise machine capable of harvesting the energy produced by the machine during exercise for productive output.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes retrofitting an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) exercise machine with the capacity to pump fluid. This retrofit system and method would allow the capacity to produce food with hydroponic or aquaponic agriculture and become a source of food for a community by using the exercise equipment. One goal is to be a catalyst and a tool for urban agriculture and innovative thinking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an existing pulling motion oriented human interface mechanism of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) rowing type exercise machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates the disassembly procedure of an OEM flywheel to make ready for retrofit.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of an OEM with human interface mechanism of a pulling, full body rowing type, exercise equipment retrofit to fluid pumping capability.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of one embodiment of a top and bottom bracket assembly to connect pump to exercise machine

FIG. 5 illustrates an angled-side view of one embodiment of the top and bottom bracket assembly to connect pump to exercise machine.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the top and bottom bracket assembly to connect a pump to exercise machine.

FIG. 7 illustrates the side view of one embodiment of the top and bottom bracket assembly to connect the pump to the exercise machine,

FIG. 8 illustrates bracket assembly connected to exercise equipment.

FIG. 9 illustrates bracket securing a drive train to the first end of the modified drive shaft and OEM drive shaft.

FIG. 10 illustrates human operator engaged with the pull type of human interface mechanism with first embodiment of retrofit attached.

FIG. 11 further illustrates a first embodiment utilizing a centrifugal pump attached to lower bracket driven by OEM drive shaft to the first end of the modified drive shaft.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an OEM rotational type pedal human interface mechanism.

FIG. 13 enable retrofit of existing OEM rotational type apparatus.

FIG. 14 illustrates completed retrofit of rotational type exercise equipment and allow fluid pumping capability.

FIG. 15 illustrates integration of embodiment into system of water structuring/oxygenation via flow-form commercial apparatus to support human powered aquaponic/hydroponic food production capability with existing exercise equipment.

FIG. 16 illustrates further embodiment of commercially available vortex triploder nozzle in series to increase water structuring/oxygenation.

FIG. 17 illustrates single commercially available (imploder) water structuring/oxygenation device to increase structuring/oxygenation capacity.

FIG. 18 illustrates first embodiment of commercially available flow-form open basin water structuring/oxygenation device.

FIG. 19 illustrates flow-form open basin water structuring/oxygenation device placed in series to increase effect for larger systems.

FIG. 20 illustrates the scalability to retrofit multiple exercise machines operated in series and cooperative fluid communication and incorporated into a fluid pumping or food production system.

FIG. 21 Illustrates a block diagram of the methods of modifying an exercise machine to pump fluid

FIG. 22 Illustrates an alternative embodiment of the modular pump that connects in line with the OEM in order to bypass the removal of any parts of the OEM.

FIG. 23 Illustrates the drive chain running through the series of internal sprockets that drive the pump and allow for fluid pumping capabilities of a modular alternative embodiment to the retrofit device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) rower pull type exercise machine 101 with an OEM flywheel assembly 102. FIG. 2 illustrates existing equipment to support the first embodiment of the retrofit. A human interface mechanism 213 to allow at least one human to engage with the exercise machine; a drive chain 212 connected to the pull type human interface mechanism 213 the drive chain 212 engaging with an OEM drive sprocket 303, attached to OEM drive shaft 322 (see FIG. 3 ). The illustrated embodiment is for removal of entire existing flywheel assembly damper 208, and all associated parts; 3″ Pan Head Phillips screws 207, 2″ #6 Pan head Phillips 205, #6 Nut 206, Perforated Stainless steel 209, ⅜″ Nylock Nut 210, Flywheel Assembly 204, ¼-20×½ Button head 203, #10 Nut 202, ¼″×¾″ Button Head 211, Flywheel housing back 201 until only OEM drive shaft 322 in FIG. 3 is exposed.

FIG. 3 illustrates the existing machine retrofit to be attached beginning with placement of the top bracket 301 onto commercial chassis arm 101 with one or more bracket bolts 335 a,b,c,d,e,f that connect to bottom bracket 302 and secured with bracket nuts 336 a,b,c,d,e,f to connect top bracket 301 to bottom bracket 302.

The commercial centrifugal pump 328 attaches to bottom bracket 302 with one or more pump mount screws 334 a,b,c,d which aligns pump with first end of modified pump shaft 319, incorporating the pump shaft roller bearing 312 a with small timing pulley 321 in line with the commercial pump 328.

The drive train assembly, including small timing pulley 321. attaches to the large timing pulley 325 which, through rollerclutch bearing 324 and drive shaft bearing 304 b, is directly connected to OEM drive shaft 322. The small timing pulley 321 is secured to the large timing pulley 325 with a timing belt 326, secured with nut 210. The timing belt 326 is tensioned with tensioner unit made up of roller bearing 317, spacer 316, pulley 315, and secured with spindle 318 to nut 314 attaching through tensioner guide 701 found in FIG. Further embodiments of the drive train may include direct gearing, planetary gearing, or a roller chain drive system.

Commercial pump 328 may include a PVC inlet port of 90 degrees 329, further embodiments may vary materials metal, PVC, composite, carbon fiber, or plastic. Barb fitting 330 b attaches to inlet port 329 to inlet hose 333 with hose clamp 331 b. Outlet port connects to barb fitting 330 a to outlet hose 332 with hose clamp 331 a. Further embodiments of pumps may include diaphragm, peristalsis, transfer, or impeller type pump.

A second end of modified pump shaft 319 continues through lower bracket 302 to connect through pump shaft bearing 312 b attaching to flywheel housing back 311 with one or more ¼″ flywheel screws 310 a,b,c,d and flywheel assembly 306, and flywheel veins 313 secured with flywheel mounting nut 309. All secured to lower bracket 302 and balanced on second end of modified pump shaft 319 and covered with flywheel shroud 307, flywheel resistance damper 308 secured to assembly with four flywheel cover bolts 207 to secure original assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of one embodiment of the top bracket 301 and bottom bracket 302 assembly to connect pump to exercise machine. Orientation of bracket may have future embodiments to be specified to the exercise equipment depending on puffing, pushing, or rotational type movement.

FIG. 5 illustrate angled-side view of one embodiment of the aluminum top bracket 301 and bottom bracket 302 assembly to connect pump to exercise machine. Orientation of bracket may have further embodiments as well as may be made of materials Ike molded thermoplastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber or 3-D printed to fit future embodiments to be specified to the exercise equipment depending on puffing, pushing, or rotational movement.

FIG. 6 illustrate the front view of one embodiment of the top and bottom bracket assembly to connect pump to exercise machine. Spacers 601 a,b,c,d align with one or more pump mount screws 334 a,b,c,d to secure pump 328. Bearing cup 602 a aligns with pump shaft roller bearing 312 a on the first end of the modified drive shaft 319 and bearing cup 602 b align with pump shaft roller bearing 312 b on the second side of modified drive shaft 319. Orientation of bracket may have further embodiments as well as may be made of materials like molded thermoplastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or 3-D printed to fit future embodiments to be specified to the exercise equipment depending on pulling, pushing, or rotational type movement.

FIG. 7 illustrates the side view of one embodiment of the top and bottom bracket assembly to connect pump to exercise machine. Spacers 601 a,b,c,d align with one or more pump mount screws 334 a,b,c,d to secure pump 328. Bearing cup 602 a aligns with pump shaft roller bearing 312 a on the first end of the modified drive shaft 319 and bearing cup 602 b align with pump shaft roller bearing 312 b on the second side of modified drive shaft 319. Orientation of bracket may have further embodiments as well as may be made of materials like molded thermoplastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or 3-D printed to fit future embodiments to be specified to the exercise equipment depending on pulling, pushing, or rotational type movement.

FIG. 8 illustrates bracket assembly 9 connected to existing rower pull type exercise machine 101. FIG. 9 illustrates top bracket 301 attached to existing rower pull type exercise machine 101 with bottom bracket 302. Drive train is secured to the first end of the modified drive shaft 319 and OEM drive sprocket 303 attached to OEM drive shaft 322, drive train includes a large timing pulley 325, small timing pulley 321 and timing belt 326 to cooperatively transfer power from the OEM drive sprocket 303, OEM drive shaft 322 to the large timing pulley 325, to the timing belt 326, to the small timing pulley 321 to gear up the rotational speed driving the pump 328, to accomplish turning centrifugal pump 328 to pumping fluid from inlet hose 333 through inlet port 329 through pump 328 and discharged through outlet hose 332. Second end of modified drive shaft is attached to modified flywheel shown further in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a human operator engaged pulling and using arms and legs to impart rowing motion with the pull type of human interface mechanism with first embodiment of retrofit attached 1001. Entire completed retrofit shown in retrofit mechanism 11. FIG. 11 illustrates the completed retrofit of OEM rower type exercise machine 101 with attached top bracket 301 and bottom bracket 302 which secures commercial pump 328 and PVC inlet port of 90 degrees 329. Barb fitting 330 b attaches inlet port 329 to inlet hose 333 with a hose clamp 331 b. Outlet port connects to outlet hose 332 with hose damp 331 a. Further embodiments of pumps may include diaphragm, peristalsis, or impeller type pump. FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an OEM rotational type pedal human interface mechanism 1202 with and OEM flywheel assembly 1201.

FIG. 13 illustrates removal of OEM flywheel assembly 1202 to retrofit existing OEM rotational type pedal human interface mechanism 1202 to allow at least one human to engage with the exercise machine; removal of entire existing flywheel assembly damper 1309, and all associated parts; 3″ Pan Head Phillips screws 1308, 2″ #6 Pan head Phillips 1306, #6 Nut 1307, Perforated Stainless steel 1310, ⅜″ Nylock Nut 1311, Flywheel Assembly 1305, ¼-20× ½. Button head 1304, Flywheel housing back 1302 until OEM drive shaft 1301 is exposed.

FIG. 14 illustrates the existing machine retrofit to be attached beginning with placement of the top bracket 301 and bottom bracket 302 onto commercial chassis arm 1201. Drive train including large timing pulley 325 attached to OEM drive shaft 1311 transferring energy through timing belt 326 into small timing pulley to drive centrifugal pump 328 to pull fluid through inlet hose 333 and discharge it through outlet hose 332.

FIG. 15 illustrates integration of retrofit through flow form/water structuring device as outlet hose 332 discharges fluid to holding tank 1503 to be released as needed in an ebb and flow tidal system through outlet pipe 1504 through flow form/water structuring oxygenation device 1505 and released into, in one embodiment, holding tank 1511 to then flow into one or more aquaponic grow beds 1507 a,b,c to be released automatically through bell syphon out of outlet pipe 1509 into nutrient reservoir/fish tanks 1508 a,b,c to be returned to inlet hose 333 to continue and repeat fluid communication with retrofit pump. Entire free-standing system supported by warehouse rack 1506.

FIG. 16 illustrates further embodiment of commercially available vortex triploder nozzle 1601 in series to increase water structuring/oxygenation. FIG. 17 illustrates single commercially available (imploder) 1701 water structuring/oxygenation device to increase structuring/oxygenation capacity. FIG. 18 illustrates first embodiment of commercially available flow-form 1801 open basin water structuring/oxygenation device.

FIG. 19 illustrates flow-form open basin water structuring/oxygenation device placed in series 1505 to increase effect for larger systems that may be integrated into hydroponic and aquaponic food production, a living fountain, an interactive display, scientific, and/or educational display.

FIG. 20 illustrate an embodiment of multiple retrofit exercise machines in series moving fluid from OEM rower pull type exercise machine 1001 though outlet hose 1502 up to roof of building 2001 to be stored in holding tank 1503 to be released as needed in an ebb and flow tidal system through outlet pipe 1504 through flow form/water structuring oxygenation device 1505 and released into, in one embodiment, holding tank 1511 to then flow into aquaponic grow beds 1507 a,b,c to be released automatically through bell syphon out of outlet pipe 1509 into nutrient reservoir/fish tanks 1508 a,b,c to be returned to inlet hose 333 to continue and repeat fluid communication with retrofit pumps. Entire free-standing system supported by warehouse rack 1506. This interactive system may be used in a school, fitness center, museum, park, shopping mall, and other public spaces to be interacted with by people of all ages and in further embodiments attached to animal treadmill rotational motion apparatus.

FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram for the retrofit process of adapting OEM exercise machine to allow for fluid pumping capability. Removing an OEM assembly from the frame of the exercise machine 2101. Affixing bracket to the frame of the exercise machine 2102. Securing a drive train to a first end of the modified drive shaft and OEM drive shaft 2103. Securing pump to the first end of the modified drive shaft 2104. Securing a modified flywheel to the bracket and the second end of the modified drive shaft 2105. Installing a flywheel damper onto the modified flywheel 2106.

FIG. 22 Illustrates an alternative embodiment of a modular pump 2201 that connects in-line with the OEM 101 in order to bypass the removal of any parts of the OEM. This embodiment includes all gear reduction and pumping mechanisms inside of itself and requires only the drive chain to run through an internal sprocket to obtain the same fluid pumping capabilities allowing a more rapid retrofit.

FIG. 23 Illustrates the drive chain 212 running through a series of internal sprockets that drive the modular alternative embodiment 2201 or the retrofit device and allow for fluid pumping capabilities.

Because there can be the present invention and that other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the present invention will be appreciated that not limited to the specific embodiment example, defined in the claims. 

1. A method for modifying an exercise machine to pump fluid, the exercising machine including a human interface mechanism to allow at least one human to engage with the exercise machine, the human interface mechanism connected to a drive chain, the drive chain engaging with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) drive shaft, the exercise machine including a frame, the method comprising: removing an OEM assembly from the frame of the exercise machine; affixing a bracket to the frame of the exercise machine, for securing a pump to the frame of the exercise machine, the bracket including a modified drive shaft with first and second ends; securing a drive train to a first end of the modified drive shaft and OEM drive shaft, the drive train causing rotational movement to transfer power from the OEM drive shaft to the modified drive shaft; securing a pump to the first end of the modified drive shaft and a flywheel to the second end of the modified drive shaft, the pump including an inlet and outlet for fluid transfer through a hose; whereby engagement with the human interface mechanism of the exercise machine drives the pump to draw fluid through the inlet and discharge fluid through the outlet.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing a modified flywheel to the bracket and the second end of the modified drive shaft, whereby the flywheel maintains rotational velocity of the pump, even when the human interface mechanism is not engaged.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising installing a flywheel damper onto the modified flywheel to provide variable resistance to the human interface mechanism.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the drive train comprises a large timing pulley, small timing pulley, and a timing belt to cooperatively transfer power from the OEM drive shaft to the large timing pulley, through the timing belt to the small timing pulley to gear up/down the rotational speed of the pump [to match the operating speed of the selected pump]
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump includes one of a centrifugal, diaphragm, peristalsis or impeller pump.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a human engages with the human interface mechanism through one of a pull, push, and/or rotational type motion.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the OEM assembly includes a flywheel assembly.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid drawn through the inlet is expelled through the outlet.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid drawn through the inlet is pumped though the outlet and fed into a fluid structuring and oxygenating element and is recirculated back into the inlet of the pump.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid drawn through the inlet is discharged through the outlet into a nutrient reservoir and is recirculated back into the inlet of the pump.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine is connected in series to at least one additional exercise machine through a Y connector affixed to the hose.
 12. A modified exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a human interface mechanism to allow at least one human to engage with the exercise machine; a drive chain connected to the human interface mechanism, the drive chain engaging with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) drive shaft; a bracket affixed to the frame, for securing a pump to the frame of the exercise machine, the bracket including a modified drive shaft; a drive train connected to a first end of the modified drive shaft and OEM drive shaft, the drive train causing rotational movement to transfer power from the OEM drive shaft to the modified drive shaft; a pump connected to the modified drive shaft, the pump including an inlet and outlet for fluid transfer; whereby engagement with the human interface mechanism of the exercise machine drives the pump to draw fluid through the inlet and discharge fluid through the outlet.
 13. The system of claim 13, further comprising a modified flywheel connected to the bracket and the second end of the modified drive shaft, whereby the flywheel maintains rotational velocity of the pump, even when the human interface mechanism is not engaged.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising flywheel damper installed onto the modified flywheel to provide variable resistance to the human engagement mechanism.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the drive train comprises a large timing pulley, timing belt, and small timing pulley, to cooperatively transfer power from the drive shaft to the timing belt to gear up/down the rotational speed of the pump [to match the operating speed of the selected pump].
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the drive train includes a large timing pulley, small timing pulley, and timing belt to cooperatively transfer power from the drive shaft to the timing belt to gear up/down the rotational speed of the pump [to match the operating speed of the selected pump]
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the pump includes one of a centrifugal, diaphragm, or impeller pump.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein a human engages with the human interface mechanism through one of a pull, push, or rotational type motion.
 19. The system of claim 13, wherein the OEM assembly includes a flywheel assembly.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein the fluid drawn through the inlet is expelled through the outlet.
 21. The system of claim 13, wherein the fluid drawn through the inlet is discharged through the outlet into a fluid structuring and oxygenating element and is recirculated back into the inlet of the pump.
 22. The system of claim 13, wherein the fluid drawn through the inlet is discharged through the outlet into a nutrient reservoir and is recirculated back into the inlet of the pump.
 23. The system of claim 13, wherein the exercise machine is connected in series to at least one additional exercise machine through a Y connector affixed to the hose.
 24. A system for vortexing water, comprising: a handle, pedal or other human interface mechanism for a user, the human interface mechanism affixed to a drive train which rotates the OEM drive shaft. This shaft rotates a large timing pulley that engages with the timing belt and transfers power and rotational motion to a small timing pulley. a drive train for transferring power from the OEM drive shaft to the timing belt works in conjunction with the small timing pulley to gear up/down the rotational speed of the modified drive shaft to match the operating speed of the selected pump; a modified drive shaft that transfers power from small timing pulley to pump; the pump connected to an inlet hose and outlet hose; whereby the pump thrusts water through the outlet hose through a vortex system, and returns through the inlet hose. 